Fear (Stress aka “Fight or Flight”) Attracts Iron
The saying “you are the energy you attract” is taking on a whole new meaning.
I’ve said before that the body processes different kinds of stress the same way - it turns on the sympathetic nervous system and goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode. This ultimate survival mode is ingrained in our DNA and helped us run from a bear or fight an attacking tribe. It’s also the ultimate FEAR state.
Many of us are stuck in this chronic state of fear and don’t realize it. This has huge implications for the metabolism and immune system (hello thyroid issues and autoimmunity!), but it also has impairs our ability to keep iron in check.
The ‘fight or flight’ state triggers the production of adrenaline and cortisol, which:
🔋slows down energy production
🧠 decreases blood flow to the brain
🚪increases insulin resistance
Because we can’t use oxygen correctly to make energy, our brain and other tissues suffocate (hypoxia), increasing oxidative stress and free radical damage, as well as allowing iron to go rampant. This creates and/or further drives all kinds of diseases (for all you nerds out there, this is via the Bohr effect).
Chronic fear will also trigger the synthesis of metallothionein which binds copper at 1000X strength. This leaves iron unopposed, able to accumulate and cause more stress.
Managing stress isn’t just a matter of mental capacity. There is much more - often overlooked - low-hanging fruit in your food strategy and how you live your life. I’ll continue sharing tips on easy ways to increase your resilience to stress through food and lifestyle...more to come!
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Lynes, M.A. Hidalgo, J. Manso, Y. Devisscher, L. Laukens, D. Lawrence, D.A. (2014). Metallothionein and stress combine to affect multiple organ systems. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4147071/.
Niknamian, S. Zaminpira, S. (2018). How Chronic Fear Results In Hypoxia in Tissues and Cancer in Humans through Bohr Effect. Retrieved from: https://zenodo.org/record/1866159#.Xq72zRNKjyh.
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